Quarter Plate

$12,000.00

A GLORIOUS COMPOSITION! Casey recently restored this dreamlike daguerreotype done in quarter plate size. The original glass was absolutely so filthy that I really didn't know if I had made a very pricy purchasing error. I believe the teeny brown dots occurred after the image was taken circa 1848-1850. The plate was probably reused and over time they appeared. Never the less, the piece was still in the original seals and it had been electroplated with an extra layer of silver. Erin, Casey and I have never seen this particular intricately painted scenic background used previously as a backdrop. Not only was the child very attractive and extremely composed but also her daguerreotypist was at the peak of his professional skills. He operated in a large studio that was equipped with a skylight. Need I add that the applications of colors were absolutely superlative and couldn't have been done better! In fact, I have collected fine dags of tinted children since 1985 and this example is at the pinnacle of professional tinting! Naturally, I would like to know the reason why the gal wore that lovely white dress and was covered in garlands of flowers. Also, what was the significance of the flower bedecked apparatus she held? Her soft-sided slippers might suggest that she was a performer who danced in pageants. The child was so magical that she might have been a fairly princess or a solstice queen. My one-dimensional accumulation of pixels represents a mere dull shadow of the original. When the daguerreotype is turned into a completely negative view it is possible to see some dull mold spiders. There is one mold mite on her neck, a small dig in the silver above her breast and one green dot at the base of the fountain. Lovely blue patina traces the contours of the scalloped mat. Casey has also made a new leather hinge on the leather case.

Terms of Sales

Purchasing: The first person to inquiry (via phone 603-772-9065 or email dennis@finedags.com) will have the first opportunity to acquire the item.

Payment: When a daguerreotype or photograph is purchased, the total price for the image plus shipping and insurance will be given. Payment must be received in five working days or the image will be sold to the next interested buyer. For your convenience, I will accept a check, money order or PayPal at the time of your phone call/email. Please be certain to include your correct shipping address, phone number and email address during the transaction. We will gladly ship all images internationally.

Shipping: Since we have recently had an incident with the USPS I have decided that from now on, Erin, Casey and I will send every image through the mail requiring a certified mail receipt that requires your signature. The additional charge will be $3.45, plus the cost of the Priority Mail. We will waive the signature requirement if you make a purchase from us and tell us in an email that you would like the parcel sent Priority Mail with the normal delivery confirmation slip. I know how bothersome this is, but we want to provide the best images and service possible, within the limitations of the carriers we work with. As for insurance on packages, don't believe for a moment that carriers who allow you to purchase it, will completely back up any claim.

Guarantee: I will make every effort to faithfully reproduce and describe each item. Upon receipt of the daguerreotype, case or related item; if you are dissatisfied for any reason, it may be returned (in the original condition along with proper packaging and insurance) within three working days. I would appreciate a call or email first to let me know of your intentions. A full refund, minus the initial shipping and insurance costs will be made.

Fine Daguerreotypes & Photography is a family affair. We diligently search out the finest daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, tintypes and photography. We take great pride in our presentations and services. We sincerely hope that you will find images to add to your collections. Thank you for your support.